After that initial excitement and determination wears off, it's hard for most people to continue going to the gym, eating right, or both because things start to get in the way and that couch looks more and more enticing, as does that fatty dessert. Here are a few ways for you to stay motivated about your diet and exercise programs.
Get a workout/diet partner
It's always easier to do things with a friend. When it come to dieting and working out, you won't feel like you're in it alone. The two of you can go out to eat together and not feel bad about having to order healthy foods. You'll be able to check up on each other and make sure that you are both staying on the diet and you can motivate each other to exercise on a regular schedule. There will certainly be days when the last thing you want to do is go for a jog and that will be true for your friend as well, and it's on these days that the workout partner is key because they will help convince you to get up and do it. Plus a little friendly competition never hurts.
Think positively
Positive reinforcement plays a huge role in someone's willingness and desire to continue doing an activity, or to do it again. Reward yourself for staying on your diet, especially if you've just fought an epic internal battle over McDonald's French fries and chicken mc nuggets vs. a turkey sandwich, and you chose the turkey sandwich. Positive thinking works for exercise as well. After your workouts concentrate on how good you feel for having completed your goals and how
great your body feels after expending some energy and gaining strength. If you are negative after your workouts and only think about how horrible the entire experience was, you'll have a much tougher time returning to the gym or the walking path.
If possible, vary your workout and your diet routines
If there are exercises that you absolutely hate to do, don't do them. Find another exercise that works the same muscle group or produces the same cardiovascular output. You won't dread working out and you'll be much more likely to continue your program. Although diets can be a little trickier, especially if they give you a menu of what to eat, varying your diet can make a difference as well. If you're always eating the same things you will no doubt get sick of them. Still eat healthy, but try new and different foods on a regular basis.
Look in the mirror
Check yourself out a little bit. If you aren't happy with what you see, then it might help remind you to stay with your diet and exercise program. If you do like what you see you'll be proud of all the hard work you've put in and be reminded of what exactly it is that you have been working for. Just don't let anyone walk in on your muscle flexing or stomach admiring!
Practice exercises you enjoy and choose diet you can stick to This goes along with not forcing yourself to do exercises that you hate. Find a few workouts that you like, or can at least tolerate, and mix them up. This can include outdoor activities like rollerblading, biking, hiking; find an activity you enjoy doing regularly. Similarly, if you choose a diet program that has you eating foods you despise, you will not stay with it. There are a variety of diets available, so find one that allows you to eat the things you like, otherwise you'll be doomed from the start.
During exercise, listen to your favorite music
Listening to music can make the time pass by much faster and can help motivate you to finish the exercise you are struggling through. Everyone has different musical tastes, but up-beat music that pumps you up is usually the best choice. Don't be afraid to vary your music as well; you don't want every workout to be the same.
Remember: Your health is important
Many people diet simply to look better and skinnier. There's nothing wrong with looking good and losing weight as your primary reasons for dieting and exercising, but realize as well that you will be healthier and stronger. Working out and eating right increases your life expectancy and improves your quality of life. You'll have more energy and be able to do so much more. Being healthy will make a profound difference on anyone's life, and that should be motivation enough to start your diet and get going on that exercise program—and to keep it up indefinitely.
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